How Safe Is Your Area? It’s Easier Then You Think To Check

According to National Home Security Month, 27% of Brits do not feel safe when walking home alone in their community. 14% of men and 38% of women aged 16 and over in England and Wales admitted that they felt fairly or very unsafe when walking alone after dark. The recent Crime Survey for England and Wales also revealed that inhabitants are more likely to deliver higher rates of social participation, lower rates of crime, and improved physical and mental health by feeling safe where they live.

Whether you’re moving to a new town or have lived in an area for years but now have children to think about, it’s important to know just how safe your neighbourhood really is, for your own peace of mind and protection. Here are five ways to do so:

Check the Crime Map
Interactive crime maps online allow you to explore and compare crime in your surrounding area. Enter your address with Security Direct and you’ll see a list of any crimes committed including dates and the type of crimes, as well as any outcomes. Use this tool to compare neighbourhoods and see which ones have the lowest crime rates.

Chat to the neighbours
If you’re unsure about the crime or reputation of an area, spark up a conversation with some of the neighbours, the people who know it best. Introduce yourself and ask for their opinion on the neighbourhood – ask that they are completely honest with you. Ask about other neighbours, any recent crimes and anything that you think will help you make a decision as to whether you want to live there or not.

Contact your local policing team
If you have concerns, or simply want to familiarise yourself with who’s responsible for dealing with crime in your area, you can find out more about you’re the individuals who make up the force online via the Police UK website. You can also see how your local force are performing, see their highest priorities and read all relevant news for your area.

Download the latest crime apps
Stay up to speed with the latest goings on in your area by having the latest apps on your phone or computer. Crime maps, alerts and apps that share the best safe practices for your home are all available and will give you instant access to useful data.

Take a visit and find out for yourself
If you’ve never been to the area before, take a friend or partner and visit during the day and evening, on a number of occasions over the space of a few weeks. Spend an hour or so walking and driving around, chatting to people where you can and ask yourself a couple of questions; do I feel safe walking around here? Would I want to walk around here on my own? With children? Does the area feel safe after dark? Are there any signs of anti-social behaviour? Is the area well maintained?